Cannell Plunge

I finally did it. The Plunge! One of the biggest and best rides in Southern California. After doing the SART earlier this month (from Southfork to Morton Peak and then into Mentone - 35 miles total), this was my 2nd big shuttle in 2 weeks. And just like the first one there was plenty of climbing involved. But also like the first one, there was a whole lot of downhill fun.

- The Facts -
Beginning Elevation - 9200'
Ending Elevation - 2700'
2500' of climbing
A total of 9000' of downhill!!!
All this in 24 miles (although because of a wrong turn I made at the end Geno and I did closer to 28 miles)

- The Ride -
This ride has just about everything.
Fast smooth singletrack
Windy singletrack
Rocky technical singletrack
Narrow cliffside singletrack
Singletrack through meadows
Switchbacks
Steep technical singletrack climbs
Gradual fireroad climbs
A fun rock to play on
Even a stretch that could pass for a trials course
Oh yeah, also a spring about halfway down with fresh cold water

- The Unexpected -
I'd say the only thing I really wasn't ready for were the frozen creek crossing. It's a different feeling to go through a creek, and then realize you're not going through it, but instead you're skimming across the top of it on the ice. Very cool.

This is a great area to ride. Thanks to Geno for setting everything up. I'll be back as soon as I can, which I'm guessing won't be for another 6 months or so due to snow.

The Kona

It's been about a year since I got my Kona. Here's a video of my first ride on it.

Freeride

I'd say I ride my xc hardtail 90% of the time, but I do like to get out and test my amateur freeride skills. Brian and I went out on Saturday and had a little fun.